Book of Kells viewed by 10 millionth visitor at Trinity College in Dublin

The Book of Kells, housed in Dublin’s Trinity College, was visited by its 10 millionth viewer on Wednesday.
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The Book of Kells, housed in Dublin’s Trinity College, was visited by its 10 millionth viewer on Wednesday.

The Irish Times reports that English tourists Robbie Howatson, his parents Ian and Jan and sister Rosina, were the 10 millionth visitors to the historical artifact. Upon arriving, the family was welcomed by the librarian, Robin Adams.

The old library at Trinity and its Book of Kells is considered one of Ireland’s major tourist attractions with over 520,000 visitors each year. Yesterday’s visit by the Howatson family marked 10 million visitors in just 20 years since the site’s opening in 1992.

Librarian Robin Adams said the 10-millionth visitor was a significant landmark to coincide with the tercentenary of the old library, whose cornerstone was laid in 1712. The 10-millionth visitors were presented with memorabilia of the old library and a guided tour.

The Book of Kells centre, which provides free access to more than 20,000 schoolchildren, is in the process of upgrading the centre in order to enhance the visitor experience and improve access to the ancient manuscript.

Adams said, “The number of visitors to the old library have increased by 10 per cent this year and we hope that with the expansion and upgrade of facilities, we will welcome many more visitors.”